Profile: Karyn Cunningham for Village Council Seat 1

A native of Miami-Dade County, Cunningham and her family have lived in the Village of Palmetto Bay since 1995. She has one daughter, Megan. Cunningham, a graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High and the University of South Florida, was a classroom teacher with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 18 years. She has served on the village’s Education Advisory Compact Council and its Advisory Committee.

“I want to return the village to open government and restore the residents’ voices,” Cunningham said. “I supported incorporation 12 years ago because I believe that a closer connection to our elected officials is key to a successful community.

“I will open our village government to all of our residents while working to stop wasteful spending and shift our focus to those things that our residents feel are important, while keeping taxes low and enhancing our quality of life.”

When asked what her top priority would be if elected to the council she stated that she would, with the residents’ input, immediately:

1. Expand resident communications through increased and substantive emails, mailings and newspaper advertising to create more transparency, ease access and flow of village information to residents.

2. Expand village advisory boards to create more opportunities for residents to have a voice in local government and encourage civic engagement in the community.

3. Create a resident-driven Five-Year Strategic Plan based on resident surveys. This will serve as the basis for development of the goals and outcomes identified by the council and a plan for implementation and accountability.

4. Review the budget and make recommendations to keep taxes low and focus spending on projects that are determined to be priorities by the residents.

5. Create a Small Business Marketing and Communication Plan to increase revenue through business development by attracting and growing local businesses.

“I bring a fresh approach with seasoned experience in consensus building, working with people, government processes and commitment to the community,” Cunningham said. “I will bring a common sense approach to solving issues and an independent voice to the council. I oppose the approach in which elected leaders think they know what’s best without bringing in diverging opinions.”

In closing, she explained why she believes that residents should vote for her.

“My years as a classroom teacher and education advocate at the local and state level have provided me with the experience, knowledge and passion to bring a fresh, positive and independent voice to ensure transparency while focusing spending on the priorities of our residents.”